Pollution inspires a new wave of innovations(2)

"It can absorb toxic chemical elements scattered in the air," Kang said. "For example, if you put some sheets of nanocat in a restroom that contains hydrogen sulfide and nitrogen gas, nanocat can transfer hydrogen sulfide into sulfur and nitrogen gas into nitrate, and keep them on the card in order to purify the air."

According to Kang, the best way to cleanse the air is to deduct smelly odors from the air instead of adding scents to cover them up.

"Using spray may cause harm and allergic reactions," he said.

Kang argues that nanocat is better than air purifiers since it's portable, energy efficient and noise-free.

"You can't put air purifiers into a closet, but you can put a piece of nanocat," Kang said.

After six months of use, the nanocat is biodegradable.

Currently, the nanocat is available for purchase online at the price of 200 yuan ($32) for 15 sheets. Customers can also choose nanocats with simple drawings printed on them so the sheets can be hung like a pictures on the wall.

Potpourri of pollution products

Many other artists and inventors around the world are coming up with pollution-solving products, some more successful than others.

British artist Matt Hope's invention - a breathing bike - could save your life. Hope says the bicycle has a wind generator to produce electricity when pedaling. It also attracts dust particles to the white trash bin and then the air gets clean as it travels through the pipe to the mask. One glitch: the bike could electrocute you if you ride it on rainy days.

Two college students from New York University invented a T-shirt that can detect air pollution, according to the report by New York Daily News. Nien Lam and Sue Ngo's invention comes in two designs – heart or lungs – with carbon monoxide sensors attached. The color of the organs changes according to the pollution reading, showing the organ's reaction to the foul air.

Chen Guangbiao, a philanthropist who is known for outrageous charitable gestures, invented canned fresh air, marketing them to residents who live in cities suffering from heavy pollution, Metro Beijing reported last summer. Priced at 4 to 5 yuan a can, Chen successfully sold thousands of them in many major cities in China.